COLLEGE STATION (WBAP/KLIF News) – As wildfires rage across parts of Texas, the Texas & M Forest Services has warned residents for a possible increase in activity for the western part of the state through Wednesday, February 16.
The warning includes areas in the High Plains and Rolling Plains around Wichita Falls, San Angelo, Lubbock and Amarillo.
Texas & M Forest Service Public Information Officer Erin O’Connor said the current conditions are ripe for a small fire to quickly spiral out of control.
“When we have dry, windy and warm conditions…a fire or any activity that can create a spark, it can get out of control fairly quickly if people are being careless or not paying attention,” she said.
Over the past week, state and local resources responded to 176 wildfires that burned almost 8500 acres.
On Monday, fire crews from multiple stations battled a grass fire in Wise County that burned over 200 acres.
O’Connor is advising residents to delay any planned burns for a day or two but has some advice for those who will burn anyway.
“Clear vegetation or any other flammable materials from that area. Always have a water source nearby and if you have a fire, never leave anything unattended. Of course, call 911 if planned burn begins to spread out of your control,” she said.
Texas A&M Forest Service has fully staffed task forces and suppression equipment staged in Childress, Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Burkburnett, Fredericksburg, Smithville, McGregor, San Angelo and Mineral Wells.
“Rapid response and the use of appropriate resources is essential for preventing large destructive wildfires,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Our agency strategically prepositions personnel and equipment across areas of concern where they can respond to requests for assistance from local fire departments who serve as Texas’ first line of defense.”
Click here to view current conditions and wildfire outlook.
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